INS Shardul to be the replacement for now

Landing ship INS Shardul is expected to ‘tentatively' replace the soon-to-be-decommissioned INS Krishna in the Navy's First Training Squadron.

According to sources, the landing vessel will join the First Training Squadron comprising INS Tir, INS Tarangini and a Coast Guard vessel for a period of six months as a stop-gap arrangement until one of the under-refit Sukanya class patrol vessels is available for operation.

“INS Sujata, which is under refit, is being converted into a training vessel equipping it with living space and other facilities for cadets. This will most likely join the First Squadron in another six months' time,” said sources.